EU tightens limits on PFAS in food packaging

New EU rules restricting PFAS in food-contact packaging come into force today across the European Union, introducing concentration limits that aim to curb the presence of these persistent chemicals in products consumers use every day.

The measures are expected to hit hardest at single-use and takeaway items: burger and fries boxes, paper bags used for kebabs, and bakery papers commonly supplied with ready-to-eat foods. These materials have often relied on PFAS compounds to repel grease and moisture.

Strict concentration caps

Under the new regime, food packaging containing PFAS at or above the prescribed thresholds may no longer be placed on the EU market. The regulation sets an individual-PFAS limit of 25 ppb, a combined limit for the target group of analysed PFAS of 250 ppb, and a total PFAS cap — including polymeric PFAS — of 50 ppm.

PFAS is an umbrella term for several thousand synthetic chemicals valued for their resistance to water, fats and stains. Because of their persistence in the environment and resistance to degradation they are often called “forever chemicals.”

Manufacturers and retailers that supply single-use food packaging will need to check compositions and reformulate or replace materials that exceed the limits if they want to continue selling across the EU. The new rules effectively harmonise restrictions across member states and set a clear compliance benchmark for importers and domestic producers alike.

Enforcement will be carried out at the member-state level, and businesses are expected to face intensified market surveillance and testing to ensure packaging placed on shelves and used in take-away services meets the new PFAS concentration limits.

Photo: press material from the event